Taipei's Secret Hideaway: YangMingShan National Park

Sometimes, as exciting as it is living in the hustle and bustle of a metropolitan city, life can slowly turn grey along with living in a glass and concrete jungle, no matter how glamorous it can be. I believe to live a healthy balance life, we need to strike a balance between being a sophisticated person and having the ability to care and enjoy Mother Nature. With that said, spending my time venturing into any and every gardens, parks, and national parks in all parts of the world is a sure thing in my 'must-visit' list.

I love to smell the sweet scent of flower blooms, the scent of freshly cut grass, the oxygen filled fresh air that photosynthesis of the plants provide… it is all these freshness in Mother Earth that brings alive every pores in my body to a heighten level, feeling alive and energized again.

In Taipei City, the capital of Taiwan, the proud citizens get to boast about YangMingShan, their very own national park right at its door step. It is really quite an extravagance to have an unspoiled well-preserved all-natural national park just 30 minutes away by car from downtown Taipei. I was told that if I’m not driving, there are buses leaving for this infamous hideaway from the city every 10 minutes. How convenient!

fumaroles

Being a collection of majestic peaks in Taipei, YangMingShan National Park is densely dotted with numerous hot springs, fumaroles and craters, and other geothermal phenomena from the underground volcanic activity. It has tall silver grass which covers the top of the mountains, forests of invincibly strong bamboo, and endless fields of flowers during spring and summer. For avid hikers, you’d be spoilt with an infinite list of trails to hike your heart out over there.

With so many things to do, I want to share you on the best things to do now at Yangmingshan National Park from June to August when summer reigns.

1. Take in the majestic panorama view of Taipei.

Sunsets have always enthralled me. It is a wondrous moment. It is even more magical as you watch the last few streaks of sunlight slowly bid you farewell for the night while the twinkling lights of Taipei city take over the night shift. It will be a moment of breathless silence as the beauty of it all sweeps you off your feet.

2. Have a revitalizing dip at the ‘Milk Lake’.

I’d like to do this early in the morning before the Earth warms up. Closing my eyes as I soak in this therapeutic and natural mineral enriched marshy lake warmed by sulfurous fumes vented in the bed underneath, the mist that hung around slowly dissipates and I’ll get to open my eyes to a clear blue sky.

3. Hike one of the many trails.

Take a hike up to Mt. Cising, the highest summit in Taipei itself. ‘Cising’ translate to ‘Seven Stars.’ I believe it makes the hike up the breezy wind-swept meadow a spirit renewing journey just as if you’re walking on stars. The views along the path will sure inspire you to want to stay there a good longer time.

4. Get a touch of history at YangMing Villa.

After the hike, visit this double-storey traditional Chinese building which dates back to 1895. Besides having a feel of what life is like back in the 80’s, you can also go back into time through the life of Taiwan’s former president Chiang Kai-Shek as seen in the photos and personal belongs which he had left behind.


Check out what's up for grabs for your trip to Taipei, remember to go visit YangMingShan National Park!